A CRASH on the A40 that claimed two lives was the result of an 'ill advised' overtake - a coroner has said.

Student Emma Abberley's Ford Fiesta car was thrown into the air when 41-year-old mechanic Simon Charles Thomas, of Brecon, lost control of his Vauxhall Astra after completing an illegal overtake at a bend.

Both drivers died at the scene of the crash, on the outskirts of Crickhowell, last October 26.

Ms Abberley, 29, who was heading towards Brecon, and her home in Libanus, had been enjoying her usual Sunday afternoon drive with boyfriend Philip Price. Mr Price, who was a passenger, suffered serious life changing injuries in the crash that occurred at around 2.30pm.

Mr Thomas lost control of his car after completing an overtake, in contravention of the road markings. His car veered into the opposite carriageway after he'd pulled back into his correct Abergavenny bound lane.

Powys coroner Andrew Barkley said both Ms Abberley and Mr Thomas had died as the result of a road traffic collision. He said: "It is clear what put Mr Thomas on the wrong side of the road is an ill advised overtake that has resulted in the loss of two young lives."

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